Rinko Kikuchi-starring Italian-made drama sets sail at Cannes Market

Set largely on a boat off Apulia, southern Italy, “Last Summer” (pictured) sees a troubled woman trying to reconnect with the young son she is losing custody of. Fortissimo will screen footage at Cannes, with international festival debuts planned for later this year.

Also added to Fortissimo’s Cannes slate is “Atlantic,” a drama about a young Moroccan man who falls in love with a European woman and tries to wind-surf across the open sea to reach her.

“Last Summer” is a rare Italian-made pic with an predominantly international cast. It is the feature debut of London-based Leonardo Guerra Seragnoli from a screenplay by Leonardo Guerra Seragnoli and Igort and acclaimed Japanese writer Banana Yoshimoto. The film was produced by Elda Ferri (Jean Vigo Italia), Luigi Musini (Cinemaundici) and Rai Cinema. The film’s costume designer is Italy’s multiple Oscar-winner Milena Canonero (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”).

“Atlantic” is written and directed by Jan-Willem Van Ewijk (“Nu”) in French and Arabic. It stars newcomer Fettah Lamara and Dutch star Thekla Reuten (“Everybody’s Famous”.) Production is by Bero Beyer of Augustus Film (“Rana’s Wedding,” “Paradise Now”.) The film is currently in post-production, and is also anticipated to have a festival premiere and commercial launch later this year.